The School for Legal Studies Law Enforcement Academy
C. Heckstall, Asst. Principal
Final Project
Below is a list of topics for your research project. All students enrolled in HLE2- CriminalJustice or HLE4- Criminology must complete this portfolio project. Attached, you will find guidelines and a rubric for the completion of the project. Please read through each topic of the topics and select the topic you will work on for this project. Students selecting the same research topic will work together as a group and present their information on display boards during the first week in June. The final project must be ready for display by June 1, 2007.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Topic #1: Prison Life
a) Select a maximum or medium security prison. Describe the facility and inmate population. b) Describe the daily life of a prisoner. c) Compare and contrast the lives of female inmates and male inmates.
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Provide description of prison selected. Use of the internet to obtain statistical information on prison location, population, etc. b) Visuals: pictures of prisons, prisoners, correction officers, cells and cell blocks.
Topic #2: Probation and Parole
a) What is probation? How is it different from parole? b) Why are some individuals given probation as part of his/her sentence? c) What type of information is gathered by parole boards when considering inmates for parole. d) What are the different types of parole?
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Interview: a recent parolee, a person on probation, probation officer, and parole officer.
b) Opinion poll/survey: Should the parole system be abolished? Should members of a community be able to block the building of a prison in their neighborhood?
Topic #3: Punishment or Rehabilitation or Both?
a) What are the various types of punishment? b) Why are some convicted persons enrolled in rehabilitation programs (drug/alcohol abuse)? c) What are some of the alternatives to incarceration? d) Does the prison system rehabilitate convicted persons?
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Opinion poll/survey: Does prison rehabilitate prisoners or ensure future criminal activity? b) Read/survey of various facilities.
Forensics
Topic #4: History and Development of Forensic Science
a) What is the early history of forensic science? How has the field of forensic science developed over the years? b) What are some the various career opportunities in forensic science? What are some of the requirements for obtaining these positions? c) How does the work of forensic scientists affect the criminal justice system? d) Organization of a crime lab.
Suggestions on type of research:
(continued on next page) a) Read/review books on the history of forensic science.
b) Research the various occupations that are related to forensic science. c) Interview: a person working in the field of forensic science and law enforcement.
d) Develop a layout of a crime lab.
Topic #5: The Crime Scene
a) Processing the crime scene. b) Legal consideration of the crime scene. Preserving and assessing the crime scene. c) Physical evidence- Common types, processing, and significance of the evidence.
Suggestions on type of research: a) Reviewing and critiquing videos on crime scene preservation and analysis. b) Analyzing evidence—identify and explain types of evidence. c) Developing and presenting a miniature, interactive crime scene. d) Develop a slide-show (power point) presentation of evidence collected.
Police Science
Topic #6: Controversial Issues Surrounding the NYPD
a) Excessive use of force. b) Racial profiling. c) NYPD portrayed in the media—high profile cases.
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Investigate issues of racial profiling. What is it? Why are some police officers using racial profiling as an investigation tool? b) Provide examples of excessive use of force by officers. c) Spotlight on the Diallo and Louima cases. Provide a follow-up of the cases.
Topic #7: Rights of the Accused
a) Constitutional protections of the accused—Amendments 4, 5, 6, 8 and 14. b) How have the courts interpreted and applied these rights? c) Applying the rights of the accused to the criminal justice system. d) Landmark constitutional cases: Miranda v. Arizona, Gideon v. Wainright, Mapp v. Ohio, Terry v. Ohio, etc. e) Conducting an arrest.
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Select one or more of the rights of the accused—interpret the amendments involved, show they have been applied. b) Survey: Do suspects receive too many protections
c) Complete a case brief on various cases.
Topic #8: Index Crimes
a) Identify and explain the index crimes. b) Select 2-3 index crimes and explain the various degrees. c) Develop a chart reflecting the severity of the crime and the accompanying punishment.
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Review New York State Penal Laws. b) Explain the 12 factors of a capital crime. c) Develop a chart explaining crimes and possible sentences.
Criminology
Topic#9: Organized crime
a) Define organized crime and provide examples of criminal acts law enforcement officials recognize as organized crime. b) Identify some of the earliest known ‘crime bosses’ and their alleged crimes. c) Select one or more infamous case involving organized crime and explain the details of the case(s).
Topic #10: The Method is…..Serial Killing
a) Identify some of the common patterns of behavior of serial killers. b) Discuss the possible common traits and/or background of some serial killers. c) Case study: select one or more serial killers and conduct an inside look at the killer and his crimes. d) Outline investigations that have led up to the capturing of a serial killer.
Topic #11: Drugs in America
a) What is the definition of a drug? b) Drug use v. drug abuse. c) Select one category or group of drugs and identify names of drugs that belong to that group. d) Identify the forms the drugs selected in question C may appear in. e) Discuss the physical and psychological effects of the drugs.
Topic #12: The War on Drugs
a) What is the war on drugs? What is the history of the war on drugs? b) Discuss the initiatives taken and and/or proposed by politicians and law officials in fighting the war on drugs. (continued next page) c) Discuss the attacks on the supply and demand for drugs. d) Discuss the strict drug laws such as the Rockefeller and mandatory minimum sentencing laws.
Topic #13: Hate Crimes in America
a) What are hate crimes? Which acts are classified as hate crimes? b) Discuss the role of pride and prejudice in the committing of hate crimes. c) Who are the victims? Who are the assailants? d) How are hate crimes handled by the criminal justice system? e) Discuss how the U. S. Supreme Ct. has cleared the way for states to increase prison sentences for those convicted of hate crimes.
Topic #14: Gangs in America
a) Definition of a gang…on the street ...by law enforcement official. b) Identify some of the well known street gangs and their leaders. c) Discuss the history of gangs in America. d) Identify and discuss some gang related activities and/or crimes. e) Identifying gang members- tattoos, clothing, slang, etc. f) Law enforcement and gangs.
Topic #15: Right to Bear Arms
a) Discuss the connection between guns and crime. b) Teenagers and guns- are our schools and communities safe? c) Gun Control- do we need new regulations and restrictions on the sale and ownership of guns? d) Are guns for sport? Protection? Criminal activity? e) Is it a Second Amendment right?
a) Provide descriptions of job, duties, responsibilities, requirements to obtain position, educational requirements. b) Visuals: pictures of prominent figures in these positions. c) Interview: a person in one of these positions.
Topic #17: New York City’s Criminal Justice System
Agencies:
*Police Department *New York State Criminal Courts *New York State Division of Correctional Services *New York State Division of Parole
Suggestion on type of research:
a) Explore the various components if the agencies. b) Visuals: NYPD agency logos and badges. c) Visuals: NYPD vehicles and helicopters. d) Visuals: Maps of the city and/or borough, show precinct boundaries, locations of police stations, court houses, houses of detention (jails).
Topic #18: New York City’s Crime Problem and Criminal Justice System in the News
a) Visuals: Collage of newspaper headlines, AP photos. b) Soundtrack: audio clips of WINS, WCBS news broadcasts about crime and justice issues. c) Written analyses of the news items (summary, identification of controversies, questions article raises)
Topic #19: Opinion Poll and Survey of Experiences about Crime and Justice NYC
Opinion:
a) Topics include: approval/disapproval of particular policies and proposals (e.g. support of opposition to the death penalty, gun control laws, registering of sex offenders) Survey:
a) Survey of experiences: Ever a victim? Ever turn to the police for help in any matters?
Suggestions on type of research: **
a) Students develop poll/questionnaires. b) Students collect data, analyze data, illustrate findings, and write a report. c) Use of mathematical skill: calculating percentages, developing pie diagrams and bar graphs.
The School for Legal Studies Law Enforcement Academy
C. Heckstall, Asst. Principal
Final Project
Below is a list of topics for your research project. All students enrolled in HLE2- Criminal Justice or HLE4- Criminology must complete this portfolio project. Attached, you will find guidelines and a rubric for the completion of the project. Please read through each topic of the topics and select the topic you will work on for this project. Students selecting the same research topic will work together as a group and present their information on display boards during the first week in June. The final project must be ready for display by June 1, 2007.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Topic #1: Prison Life
a) Select a maximum or medium security prison. Describe the facility and inmate population.
b) Describe the daily life of a prisoner.
c) Compare and contrast the lives of female inmates and male inmates.
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Provide description of prison selected. Use of the internet to obtain statistical information on prison location, population, etc.
b) Visuals: pictures of prisons, prisoners, correction officers, cells and cell blocks.
Topic #2: Probation and Parole
a) What is probation? How is it different from parole?
b) Why are some individuals given probation as part of his/her sentence?
c) What type of information is gathered by parole boards when considering inmates for parole.
d) What are the different types of parole?
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Interview: a recent parolee, a person on probation, probation officer, and parole officer.
b) Opinion poll/survey: Should the parole system be abolished? Should members of a community be able to block the building of a prison in their neighborhood?
Topic #3: Punishment or Rehabilitation or Both?
a) What are the various types of punishment?
b) Why are some convicted persons enrolled in rehabilitation programs (drug/alcohol abuse)?
c) What are some of the alternatives to incarceration?
d) Does the prison system rehabilitate convicted persons?
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Opinion poll/survey: Does prison rehabilitate prisoners or ensure future criminal activity?
b) Read/survey of various facilities.
Forensics
Topic #4: History and Development of Forensic Science
a) What is the early history of forensic science? How has the field of forensic science developed over the years?
b) What are some the various career opportunities in forensic science? What are some of the requirements for obtaining these positions?
c) How does the work of forensic scientists affect the criminal justice system?
d) Organization of a crime lab.
Suggestions on type of research:
(continued on next page)
a) Read/review books on the history of forensic science.
b) Research the various occupations that are related to forensic science.
c) Interview: a person working in the field of forensic science and law enforcement.
d) Develop a layout of a crime lab.
Topic #5: The Crime Scene
a) Processing the crime scene.
b) Legal consideration of the crime scene. Preserving and assessing the crime scene.
c) Physical evidence- Common types, processing, and significance of the evidence.
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Reviewing and critiquing videos on crime scene preservation and analysis.
b) Analyzing evidence—identify and explain types of evidence.
c) Developing and presenting a miniature, interactive crime scene.
d) Develop a slide-show (power point) presentation of evidence collected.
Police Science
Topic #6: Controversial Issues Surrounding the NYPD
a) Excessive use of force.
b) Racial profiling.
c) NYPD portrayed in the media—high profile cases.
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Investigate issues of racial profiling. What is it? Why are some police officers using racial profiling as an investigation tool?
b) Provide examples of excessive use of force by officers.
c) Spotlight on the Diallo and Louima cases. Provide a follow-up of the cases.
Topic #7: Rights of the Accused
a) Constitutional protections of the accused—Amendments 4, 5, 6, 8 and 14.
b) How have the courts interpreted and applied these rights?
c) Applying the rights of the accused to the criminal justice system.
d) Landmark constitutional cases: Miranda v. Arizona, Gideon v. Wainright, Mapp v. Ohio, Terry v. Ohio, etc.
e) Conducting an arrest.
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Select one or more of the rights of the accused—interpret the amendments involved, show they have been applied.
b) Survey: Do suspects receive too many protections
c) Complete a case brief on various cases.
Topic #8: Index Crimes
a) Identify and explain the index crimes.
b) Select 2-3 index crimes and explain the various degrees.
c) Develop a chart reflecting the severity of the crime and the accompanying punishment.
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Review New York State Penal Laws.
b) Explain the 12 factors of a capital crime.
c) Develop a chart explaining crimes and possible sentences.
Criminology
Topic#9: Organized crime
a) Define organized crime and provide examples of criminal acts law enforcement officials recognize as organized crime.
b) Identify some of the earliest known ‘crime bosses’ and their alleged crimes.
c) Select one or more infamous case involving organized crime and explain the details of the case(s).
Topic #10: The Method is…..Serial Killing
a) Identify some of the common patterns of behavior of serial killers.
b) Discuss the possible common traits and/or background of some serial killers.
c) Case study: select one or more serial killers and conduct an inside look at the killer and his crimes.
d) Outline investigations that have led up to the capturing of a serial killer.
Topic #11: Drugs in America
a) What is the definition of a drug?
b) Drug use v. drug abuse.
c) Select one category or group of drugs and identify names of drugs that belong to that group.
d) Identify the forms the drugs selected in question C may appear in.
e) Discuss the physical and psychological effects of the drugs.
Topic #12: The War on Drugs
a) What is the war on drugs? What is the history of the war on drugs?
b) Discuss the initiatives taken and and/or proposed by politicians and law officials in fighting the war on drugs. (continued next page)
c) Discuss the attacks on the supply and demand for drugs.
d) Discuss the strict drug laws such as the Rockefeller and mandatory minimum sentencing laws.
Topic #13: Hate Crimes in America
a) What are hate crimes? Which acts are classified as hate crimes?
b) Discuss the role of pride and prejudice in the committing of hate crimes.
c) Who are the victims? Who are the assailants?
d) How are hate crimes handled by the criminal justice system?
e) Discuss how the U. S. Supreme Ct. has cleared the way for states to increase prison sentences for those convicted of hate crimes.
Topic #14: Gangs in America
a) Definition of a gang…on the street ...by law enforcement official.
b) Identify some of the well known street gangs and their leaders.
c) Discuss the history of gangs in America.
d) Identify and discuss some gang related activities and/or crimes.
e) Identifying gang members- tattoos, clothing, slang, etc.
f) Law enforcement and gangs.
Topic #15: Right to Bear Arms
a) Discuss the connection between guns and crime.
b) Teenagers and guns- are our schools and communities safe?
c) Gun Control- do we need new regulations and restrictions on the sale and ownership of guns?
d) Are guns for sport? Protection? Criminal activity?
e) Is it a Second Amendment right?
Topic #16: Careers in Criminal Justice
Positions:
*Police officer *Private security officer *Defense attorney
*Correction officer *School safety agent *FBI agent
*Parole officer *Judge *Court officer
*Probation officer *Assistant District Attorney (Prosecutor)
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Provide descriptions of job, duties, responsibilities, requirements to obtain position, educational requirements.
b) Visuals: pictures of prominent figures in these positions.
c) Interview: a person in one of these positions.
Topic #17: New York City’s Criminal Justice System
Agencies:
*Police Department
*New York State Criminal Courts
*New York State Division of Correctional Services
*New York State Division of Parole
Suggestion on type of research:
a) Explore the various components if the agencies.
b) Visuals: NYPD agency logos and badges.
c) Visuals: NYPD vehicles and helicopters.
d) Visuals: Maps of the city and/or borough, show precinct boundaries, locations of police stations, court houses, houses of detention (jails).
Topic #18: New York City’s Crime Problem and Criminal Justice System in the News
News Clippings:
*About crimes *New laws
*Falling crime rate *Parolees- registered offenders
*Major high profile trials *Controversies surrounding the NYPD- ex. Racial profiling
Suggestions on type of research:
a) Visuals: Collage of newspaper headlines, AP photos.
b) Soundtrack: audio clips of WINS, WCBS news broadcasts about crime and justice issues.
c) Written analyses of the news items (summary, identification of controversies, questions article raises)
Topic #19: Opinion Poll and Survey of Experiences about Crime and Justice NYC
Opinion:
a) Topics include: approval/disapproval of particular policies and proposals (e.g. support of opposition to the death penalty, gun control laws, registering of sex offenders)
Survey:
a) Survey of experiences: Ever a victim? Ever turn to the police for help in any matters?
Suggestions on type of research: **
a) Students develop poll/questionnaires.
b) Students collect data, analyze data, illustrate findings, and write a report.
c) Use of mathematical skill: calculating percentages, developing pie diagrams and bar graphs.